Assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer.Visualize tumors, cysts and other conditions in different areas of the body.Identify abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord.Magnetic resonance, or nuclear magnetic resonance, is a non-invasive examination that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the organs and tissues of the body. 15.4 Who has orthopedic equipment (pins, plates, screws and joints) can do MRI?.15.3 Can anyone using an orthodontic appliance do MRI?.11 Pre-examination and post-examination care.10 What are the side effects of the contrast?.9.1 Contraindications for contrast-enhanced MRI.8 What are the advantages and disadvantages?.6.9 Contrast magnetic resonance imaging.6.7 Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast.6.6 Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee, bones and joints.6.5 Magnetic resonance imaging of internal organs.6.4 Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and blood vessels.6.2 Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis.6.1 Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull.It has wider use in medical diagnosis and procedures as compared to X-rays. MRI is more versatile imaging technique as the images can be developed in multiple planes or even in 3D.Exposure of X-rays can lead to birth defect and alteration in DNA of the fetus. There is no damage to the fetus in the pregnant women.MRI procedure may take half hour to one hour.MRI is relatively costlier than X-rays.X-rays are more suitable to examine fracture of bones and in some cases detection of diseased tissues such as lungs. MRI is suitable for evaluating soft tissue such as ligaments and tendon injury, brain tumor, kidney pathology, liver and intestinal pathology.
X-rays images are possible in only one plane.
It has wide applications that help in accurate detection of diseases involving various parts of body. MRI is accepted as the image modality of choice in diagnosis of several medical diseases. Usually the complete procedure of MRI scanning takes half hour to one hour. At times a contrast dye may be given through intravenous injection to enhance the images of the organ under consideration. The technician is in another room and constantly keeps interacting with the patient. Patient is asked to be relaxed and breathe normally. Patient has to lie in the closed magnetic machine. The best and accurate results are obtained when the patient lies still on the MRI scanning table. Some patients who are claustrophobic and anxious are given mild sedative before MRI scan so that they feel relaxed during the procedure. The computer system translates signals generated into images. This is because the magnet used produces powerful magnetic field. Prior to an MRI scan, patient is told to remove all metal objects on his body.